Gov. George Pataki was in New Hampshire and Iowa over the weekend. Pataki’s critics say he’s been lukewarm in his support of statewide candidates in this year’s election, but the governor, who is eyeing a White House bid, has been especially vocal about helping political contenders in Iowa, site of the first presidential party caucuses.
Some might disagree with his assertion that he’s made it easier for a Republican to compete in New York given poll numbers that show Democrats far ahead of their Republican competitors.
In New Hampshire on Friday Pataki carefully threaded a needle, saying he supports tough measures against illegal immigration, but is against passport requirements on vehicles traveling from Canada into the U.S. because he believes that would slow commerce.
Later in the day, Pataki, who has put together a team of advisors in Iowa to help his White House pursuits, pressed the flesh with attendees at the Iowa state Republican convention. But the governor, a moderate who has been attacked by conservatives within his own party for spending increases in New York, faces an uphill battle in mobilizing support.
Errol A. Cockfield Jr.